Marla Jones, Managing Editor
IDER, Ala.-- What does Patriotism mean to you? The definition of Patriotism is the devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.
For J.A. and Paula Bates, owners of J & P Trucking in Ider, patriotism means so much more. After 13 soldiers were killed in an Afghanistan attack this summer, J.A. Bates had an idea to honor the fallen heroes.
J.A. worked for over a week ordering flags, buying pumpkins, getting hay brought in, and making the perfect display to honor the fallen thirteen at their home. In September, the project of love was finished. Countless people have enjoyed the decorations at the Bates home.
A Veteran from Georgia passed by the Bates home and returned the following day to view the tribute to the fallen soldiers. Veterans from near and far have expressed their appreciation to the Bates for the tribute and for their act of patriotism.
This tribute was personal for the Bates. After the attack on American soil on September 11, 2001, a J & P Trucking truck driver, James D. Stewart, felt led to join the Army in an act of patriotism. Army Sgt. Stewart was awarded a Purple Heart during his time of service. In his second deployment to Iraq, he died when an explosive detonated near his vehicle. Stewart was a motor transport operator assigned to the Fort Drum-based 57th Transportation Company, 10th Support Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.
Stewart’s mother, Rachel Barrett, stated to The Tampa Tribune at the time of the accident, “He believed in this war. He seriously thought we had to stay there.”
Paul Bates shares his story each year, in hopes of keeping his mission and acts of patriotism alive.
In a simple act of displaying flags, along with a message of “Remembering the 13 soldiers who gave it all!”, the Bates have sparked patriotism within the small town of Ider, DeKalb County, and beyond.
We will never forget the 13 soldiers who gave it all. Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, said in a statement, “I extend my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the 1st Marine Division servicemen, who lost their lives while heroically safeguarding the evacuation of thousands of U.S. citizens and faithful allies from Hamid Karzai International Airport.”
- Sgt. Johnny Rosario Pichardo, 25 of Lawrence, Massachusetts
- Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23 of Sacramento, California
- Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31 of Salt Lake City, Utah
- Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22 of Indio, California
- Cpt. Daegan W. Page, 23 of Omaha, Nebraska
- Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22 of Logansport, Indiana
- Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20 of Rio Bravo, Texas.
- Lance Cpl. Jared N. Schmitz, 20 of St. Charles, Missouri
- Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20 of Jackson, Wyoming
- Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20 of Rancho Cucamonga, California
- Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20 of Norco, California
For the Navy:
- Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Saviak, 22 of Berlin Heights, Ohio
- Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Krauss, 23 of Corryton, Tennessee
Thank you to J.A. and Paul Bates for helping us remember the true definition of patriotism and the soldiers who gave their lives protecting the United States on foreign soil.
